Travel Essentials › South Korea
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and F (European two-pin), 220 V. Emergency: Police 112, Ambulance 119, Fire 119. Tipping: Tipping is not practiced and can cause confusion; prices include service. Tap water: Generally safe to drink tap water in cities.
Types C and F (European two-pin), 220 V
| Police | 112 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire | 119 |
Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: gov.uk
Tipping is not practiced and can cause confusion; prices include service.
Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: wwwnc.cdc.gov
Greetings. Greet with a slight bow, often with a handshake; wait for older people to offer a hand first. Hugs and cheek kisses are not common with new people.
Two-handed giving/receiving. Give and receive money, gifts, or business cards with both hands (or right hand supported by the left) as a sign of respect, especially with elders.
Shoes off indoors. Remove shoes when entering homes and many traditional restaurants; look for a shoe rack at the entrance.
Age and hierarchy. Age and seniority shape social interactions; slight bows and formal speech are used with elders and in business settings.
Drinking etiquette. When pouring drinks for others, use both hands (or support your pouring arm), and turn away slightly when drinking in front of elders.
South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, with very low violent crime; streets are considered safe to walk even late at night in most areas.
Overpriced nightlife venues. Some bars in areas like Itaewon or Gangnam use touts or offer "free" drinks that lead to inflated bills; check prices before ordering and avoid aggressive street promoters.
Fake monks or street solicitors. Occasional street solicitors ask for donations or offer "free gifts"; polite refusal is enough.
Women travelers. South Korea has low rates of street harassment and is generally safe for solo women, though the country has had well-publicized problems with illegal hidden cameras ("molka") in public restrooms and some accommodations; checking for hidden cameras and being aware of the issue is a reasonable precaution.
Legal · Mostly Safe
Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex marriage isn't recognized and society is socially conservative on LGBTQ+ issues; physical attacks are rare, but public displays of affection may draw stares outside LGBTQ+-friendly areas like Seoul's Itaewon.
| Coffee (café) | ₩4,500 | $3.10 |
| Local bus or metro ride | ₩1,550 | $1.10 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | ₩15,000 | $10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | ₩30,000 | $21 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | ₩130,000 | $90 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | ₩150,000 | $105 |
2026-09
Spring (late March-April, for cherry blossoms) and autumn (October-early November, for foliage) are the best times, with mild, clear weather; summer brings monsoon rains and humidity, while winter is cold with snow but fewer crowds and lower prices.
South Korea visa requirements by nationality
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